If you have to go to the hospital - don't go alone!
by John Valenty
My recent experiences in the hospital supporting a friend of mine who was getting a cancerous kidney removed--really left an impact on me. He had the best insurance, the best doctor and the best hospital money can buy. While he survived the experience and the surgery went perfectly, the recovery days staying at the hospital left me with a healthy fear of ever going back.
In just a couple nights at the hospital with him (At Scripps, San Diego ICU), I witnessed multiple screw ups that if I hadn't been there could have been very uncomfortable and dangerous for him.
One of the nights, he couldn't sleep and was complaining about horrible stomach pain and pushed the nurse call button two separate times over several minutes for some help. The nurse finally recommended he take a couple more hits of his push-button pain meds and went on her way.
After looking into it myself, his catheter bag had backed up which was causing all the pressure and pain and I had to search around for several minutes to find someone who could (and would) change it. As he was on so many meds, he couldn't tell where all the pressure was coming from, he just thought it was suppose to feel like he was going to explode. How long would it have taken the PM staff to realize what was happening?
After his IV was dry for several minutes, I rang again for a nurse. She seemed annoyed that I was pointing out that his IV was dry. A few minutes later an assistant night nurse came into the room in a bit of a rush and changed out my buddy's IV solution. I noticed a puzzled look on her face while she checked her clipboard, but she seemed to find what she was looking for and installed the new IV drip. I was double checking everything while with him as I'd want someone to do the same for me. Disappointingly, the IV solution she hooked up for him was really intended for another patient who was moved earlier. When I asked her what meds were in it, she didn't speak enough English to answer me. Scary stuff.
A nurse I told these stories to confided in me that her fellow nurses have pacts with each other to never leave their friend or family's bedside if one of them becomes a patient for any reason. That says a lot. It is sad to think about all the family's affected by medical mistakes.
Your contributions of information, thoughts and stories are valuable and thanks in advance for sharing anything on Wellness.com that might help someone else live a healthier or happier life.
Be well,
John Valenty
In just a couple nights at the hospital with him (At Scripps, San Diego ICU), I witnessed multiple screw ups that if I hadn't been there could have been very uncomfortable and dangerous for him.
One of the nights, he couldn't sleep and was complaining about horrible stomach pain and pushed the nurse call button two separate times over several minutes for some help. The nurse finally recommended he take a couple more hits of his push-button pain meds and went on her way.
After looking into it myself, his catheter bag had backed up which was causing all the pressure and pain and I had to search around for several minutes to find someone who could (and would) change it. As he was on so many meds, he couldn't tell where all the pressure was coming from, he just thought it was suppose to feel like he was going to explode. How long would it have taken the PM staff to realize what was happening?
After his IV was dry for several minutes, I rang again for a nurse. She seemed annoyed that I was pointing out that his IV was dry. A few minutes later an assistant night nurse came into the room in a bit of a rush and changed out my buddy's IV solution. I noticed a puzzled look on her face while she checked her clipboard, but she seemed to find what she was looking for and installed the new IV drip. I was double checking everything while with him as I'd want someone to do the same for me. Disappointingly, the IV solution she hooked up for him was really intended for another patient who was moved earlier. When I asked her what meds were in it, she didn't speak enough English to answer me. Scary stuff.
A nurse I told these stories to confided in me that her fellow nurses have pacts with each other to never leave their friend or family's bedside if one of them becomes a patient for any reason. That says a lot. It is sad to think about all the family's affected by medical mistakes.
Your contributions of information, thoughts and stories are valuable and thanks in advance for sharing anything on Wellness.com that might help someone else live a healthier or happier life.
Be well,
John Valenty
10/1/2007 10:20:40 PM
Written by John Valenty
John Valenty is an active fun-loving, hard-working entrepreneur in his 40's, married with 3 children. He is CEO of Wellness.com. John's mission is to see Wellness help millions of people live healthier, happier lives. That should keep him busy for a while.
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Website: http://www.wellness.com/
Comments
http://www.wellness.com/blog/20010/if-you-have-to-go-to-the-hospital-don-t-go-alone/john-valenty
I thought I would post a couple of tips God forbid any of us find ourselves or loved ones in this situation. A good way to avoid "attitude" from staff when you are there is to politely introduce yourself to let them know you're planning on sticking around.
I know my friend (who's a Doctor) would bring doughnuts in for the different shifts while her son was in ICU. I'm sure, herself being a Doctor, may have played a roll, but it can't hurt. I know the last thing I would want if my loved ones were ill would be to tick the staff off in any way.
Posted by Lisa
http://www.wellness.com/blog/20010/if-you-have-to-go-to-the-hospital-don-t-go-alone/john-valenty
Thanks John! This is why having a Wellness community is so great. Your story is really a solid example of why taking charge of the areas of our lives over which we have control is so important. We can't do the surgery, but we sure can be an advocate for our loved ones before and after. Thank you for sharing your experience....good reminder!
Posted by Janet
http://www.wellness.com/blog/20010/if-you-have-to-go-to-the-hospital-don-t-go-alone/john-valenty
I think you're right amac (did I say that? :)). I know burn out plays a huge roll. I have a medical background and I personally know quite a few surgeons and nurses at that facility being referenced. They are extremely over worked.
Most shifts are a minimum 12 hours for nurses alone. Doctors who are on call have an even tougher job (and a scary one). They are often commiting I mean performing surgery with little or no sleep.
I can't help but think there are just a lot of Nurse Ratchets out there too.
L
Posted by Lisa
http://www.wellness.com/blog/20010/if-you-have-to-go-to-the-hospital-don-t-go-alone/john-valenty
That is scary. I have a friend that works at a hospital. She says that the nurses and doctors regularly give the wrong meds to patients or give them meds meant for another patient.
There are so many people who just don't take the time to really do their jobs well (even if lives are at stake). I wonder if it's genetic, a result of societal environment, or if we're just not wired to be compassionate to those other than our close friends and relatives. Makes me wonder.
Posted by Aaron M
http://www.wellness.com/blog/20010/if-you-have-to-go-to-the-hospital-don-t-go-alone/john-valenty
o.0
OK, that is at least slightly disturbing! Thanks for the head's up. I'll DEFINITELY want a loved one near by if I'm hospitalized. Usually when I'm sick, I don't want visitors. However, if I need a bunch of double-checking in on my nurses, that'll change my attitude on wanting no visitors when I'm sick.
Posted by CET
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